General Appearance
The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long,
silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and
sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed
for the satisfactory companion.
Head
Of medium length and in proportion to the size of the dog. The
skull is slightly rounded on top, the stop moderate. The
drop ears are rather low set and heavily feathered
with long hair that hangs close to the head. Eyes are set
not too far apart; they are very dark and round, their black rims
enhancing the gentle yet alert expression. The muzzle is
of medium length, fine and tapered but not snippy. The nose
is black. The teeth meet in an even, edge-to-edge bite, or
in a scissors bite.
Neck
Sufficient length of neck is desirable as promoting a high carriage of the
head.
Body
Compact, the height from the withers to the ground equaling the length
from the withers to the root of the tail. Shoulder blades are sloping, the
elbows well knit and held close to the body. The back is level in top
line, the ribs well sprung. The chest is fairly deep, the loins taut,
strong, and just slightly tucked up underneath.
Tail
A long-haired plume carried gracefully over the back, its tip lying to the
side over the quarter.
Legs and Feet
Legs are fine-boned and nicely feathered. Forelegs are straight, their
pastern joints well knit and devoid of appreciable bend. Hind legs are
strong and moderately angulated at stifles and hocks. The feet are small
and round, with toe pads black. Scraggly hairs on the feet may be trimmed
to give a neater appearance.
Coat and Color
The coat is single, that is, without undercoat. It hangs long, flat, and
silky over the sides of the body almost, if not quite, to the ground. The
long head-hair may be tied up in a topknot or it may be left hanging. Any
suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is objectionable.
Color, pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible, but not
desirable.
Size
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality
is to be favored over size.
Gait
The Maltese moves with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. Viewed from the
side, he gives an impression of rapid movement, size considered. In the
stride, the forelegs reach straight and free from the shoulders, with
elbows close. Hind legs to move in a straight line. Cow hocks or any
suggestion of hind leg toeing in or out are faults.
Temperament
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. His
trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing. He is among the
gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful as well
as vigorous.
Approved
By AKC, March 10, 1964
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